European goldfinch
The European goldfinch, scientifically known as Carduelis, is a small, clever bird recognized for its ability to hang upside down while feeding. Typically measuring four to five inches in length and weighing around half an ounce, these birds have distinctive plumage characterized by yellow wing bands, black wings, and a striking red face with black markings. Found primarily in the open countrysides and woodlands of western Eurasia, they are also present in urban areas during the colder months, where they forage for seeds. A significant part of their diet consists of thistle seeds, which is reflected in their Latin name, and they also consume various weeds, making them beneficial to gardeners.
Social creatures, European goldfinches form family groups known as charms, which can number up to 1,000 birds, although they are smaller during breeding season. Nesting takes place in the outer branches of large trees, where females construct deep, cup-shaped nests lined with thistledown. The breeding cycle includes laying four to six eggs, which the male helps incubate and feed once hatched. Although these birds can live up to eight years, their average lifespan is two to three years. Modern conservation laws have eliminated the trapping of European goldfinches for the pet trade, reflecting a growing respect for their role in the ecosystem. Their high-pitched calls and social behavior continue to make them a favored sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
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European goldfinch
The European goldfinch is a clever bird that can hang upside down to eat and hold food in its claws, which is rare among birds. Carduelis, its Latin name, means thistle, and thistle seeds are one of its favorite foods.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Fringillidae
Genus: Carduelis
Species: Carduelis
European goldfinches are four to five inches (10 to 13 centimeters) long and weigh around 1/2 ounce (14 grams). Males and females have similar plumage or feathering. Their yellow wing bands contrast their black wings, which fold smoothly alongside their brown backs and light-colored undersides. Black and white tail feathers extend from their brown rumps. Their heads are white with black caps. Bright red feathers cover their faces, and black mask-like lines run through their eyes.
European goldfinches inhabit open countrysides and woodlands of western Eurasia, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Bermuda. They also appear in cities during autumn and winter searching for seeds. Goldfinches eat many seeds, including dandelion, ragwort, groundsel, and burdock. Their favorite seeds are thistle seeds, which they pick from the ground until the snow buries the seeds and then pick from the thistle weeds themselves. This gives them their Latin scientific name Carduelis, meaning thistle. The diet of goldfinches makes the birds popular with gardeners since the birds eat seeds that otherwise would germinate and grow into garden weeds. Goldfinches can hang upside down from a stalk or the seed head of a plant while they eat. They also hold food in their claws, which only a few other birds can do. The goldfinches have long, narrow beaks which function like tweezers pulling seeds from difficult-to-reach places. The short, stiff feathers on their faces protect their eyes from prickly seed casings and weeds.
European goldfinches are social birds that live in family groups called charms. Charms may contain as many as 1,000 birds. During the breeding season from April to September, the charms are smaller.
In March, the birds select nesting sites in the outer branches of large trees. The female builds the nest while the male watches. The deep, cup-shaped nests are wrapped with spider webs and lined with the soft fibers of thistle weeds called thistledown. A pair may use their nest two to three times per season. Each clutch, or batch, has four to six eggs, pale blue with reddish-brown speckles. The male feeds her and stands guard while she sits on the nest for 11 to 13 days, incubating the eggs until they hatch. The young remain in the nest for two to three weeks and receive regurgitated seeds and insects from their mother and father. The young fledge, or can fly for the first time, when they are 13 to 16 days old. After one year they can mate and may live up to eight years but usually live 2 to 3 years.
European goldfinches are a popular bird species. Some people used to trap thousands of birds and sell them to people who wanted to keep them in cages or to taxidermists who stuffed and mounted dead animals. Their feathers were popular for decorating hats. Modern laws protect goldfinches.
European goldfinches have a high-pitched twittering call.
These birds belong to the finch family and are one species within the cardueline finches, a subfamily named Carduelinae. They are divided into two subgroupscarduelis and caniceps more than 15 species.
Bibliography
"Goldfinch." The Woodland Trust, www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/animals/birds/goldfinch. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
Walker, Niccoy. "European Goldfinch." A-Z Animals, 3 Nov. 2022, a-z-animals.com/animals/european-goldfinch. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.